Predicted Chelsea line-up to face Malmo in the Europa League

Chelsea faced what was probably their most embarrassing defeat of the Abramovich era at the hands of defending champions Manchester City at the weekend. The Cityzens ran rings around the tired Chelsea players and absolutely tore them to shreds in the 6-0 victory.

Chelsea now face a tough month ahead, having to face Manchester United in the FA Cup and Man City again in the EFL Cup final. Squeezed in between all this are home and away games against Malmo in the Europa League knockout phase.

Currently in 6th place, winning the Europa League should become Chelsea’s main target as it would help them qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Probable Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

GK – Kepa Arizzabalaga

The Spaniard hasn’t done anything wrong so far to blemish his massive reputation and should start in goal once again.

RB – Davide Zappacosta

Expect captain Azpilicueta to get a rest after the lashing he received from Sterling. He should be replaced by Zappacosta.

RCB – Andreas Christensen

The Dane has been excellent whenever called upon by Sarri and with a tough month on the horizon, expect him to feature occasionally.

LCB – Ethan Ampadu

The Welshman has been a revelation since bursting onto the international scene and has earned great respect from the Chelsea manager as well.

LB – Emerson Palmieri

The Brazilian didn’t get a chance against City but he is expected to feature in this Europa League fixture against Malmo.

RCM – N’Golo Kante

The Frenchman looked completely out of his element against City and his new position is becoming a talking point across the footballing world.

CM – Matteo Kovacic

Sarri has been training the Croatian to be a backup for Jorginho in the anchor position and this match could be the perfect opportunity to try this new idea.

LCM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek

He recently returned from an injury and came on as a substitute against Manchester City. The man who scored a hat-trick during the group stage is expected to start.

RW – Willian

The Brazilian played no part in the demolition at the hands of City and could be fresh and raring to go against substantially weaker opposition.

ST – Olivier Giroud

Higuain played against City and wasn’t to blame for the display they put up. But he is expected to be rested, which means that Giroud could get a rare start.

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LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

The youngster has been the talk of the town for a while now. He could replace Hazard in the starting XI.